Young adolescents are blown over by the power of first love. "I never realized how strong love is," one teen that I interviewed told me. She continued, "It can't go away. I've had it for eight months now, and I know I have to let go and move on. It's so hard. It's as strong as the love I have for my family." These are complex emotions for anyone, but a teen is experiencing them for the first time. While it sounds simple, parents of teens can be guided by the knowledge that love is powerful. It can explain a teen's behavior when nothing else does. Romantic love is so all-consuming that a teen may think she has to set aside her love for family because she doesn't have enough love for both. Parents and siblings can feel this exclusion. She's sorting through her emotions now.
Tips: Create an open dialogue between you and your teen to talk about love, passion, sex, and relationships. Keep topics surfacing—frequently, lightly, and with openness. You'll find that your teen needs these conversations. They're on his or her mind now, and it's likely that not too many adults initiate discussion. Be sure to share your own ideas and views on love, relationships, marriage—and even passion—with your teen.
